Baylor University’s Honors College Will Present Lecture on Implications of ‘The Divine Comedy’

September 29, 2015
Rod Dreher

Rod Dreher courtesy photo.

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Media contact: Terry Goodrich, (254) 710-3321

WACO, Texas (Sept. 29, 2015) – Baylor University’s Honors College will welcome Rod Dreher, senior editor of “The American Conservative,” for a lecture on Dante at 4 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 1, in the Alexander Reading Room.

Dreher’s lecture, “How Dante Can Save Your Life,” is based on his most recent book, “How Dante Can Save Your Life: The Life-Changing Wisdom of History’s Greatest Poem,” which explores the human implications found in “The Divine Comedy.”

“Rod’s book shows him to be a perceptive reader and remarkably discerning about the existentially significant implications of ‘The Divine Comedy,’” said Douglas Henry, Ph.D., associate professor of philosophy and associate dean of the Honors College. “His book includes elements of autobiography, textual interpretation, spiritual guidance and more.”

Dreher has written and edited for New York Post, The Dallas Morning News and Washington Times. He has appeared on NPR, ABC News, CNN, Fox News, MSNBC and the BBC. His previous books include “The Little Way of Ruthie Leming” and “Crunchy Cons.”

“This talk will be accessible and highly engaging, for it is an inspiring reading of not only Dante’s remarkable work, but also of our lives and times,” said Henry. “Since hundreds of Baylor students read ‘The Divine Comedy’ every year, having Rod here to talk about its life-changing implications makes great sense.”

The lecture is free and open to the public. After the lecture, Dreher will be available to sign copies of his book which will be sold on site.

Alexander Reading Room is located inside Alexander Residence Hall at 1413 S. Seventh St.

For more information, contact the Honors College at 254-710-1523.

by Ashton Brown, student newswriter, (254) 710-6805

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Baylor University is a private Christian University and a nationally ranked research institution, characterized as having “high research activity” by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. The University provides a vibrant campus community for approximately 16,000 students by blending interdisciplinary research with an international reputation for educational excellence and a faculty commitment to teaching and scholarship. Chartered in 1845 by the Republic of Texas through the efforts of Baptist pioneers, Baylor is the oldest continually operating University in Texas. Located in Waco, Baylor welcomes students from all 50 states and more than 80 countries to study a broad range of degrees among its 12 nationally recognized academic divisions. Baylor sponsors 19 varsity athletic teams and is a founding member of the Big 12 Conference.